ICS Daily Devotions
Authority in Jesus’ Word
Hebrews11:1,6 (NKJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen….. But without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to PLEASE Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.(emphasis added)
The Bible tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God. Impossible means impossible. The ONLY way to please God is through FAITH. The Christian lifestyle is a lifestyle of faith, from now towards eternity.
How do we apply faith in our lives? We might have a friend who has a need. We might have a friend who is sick. One way to help when we journey with those who are believing in God to do something in their situation is to ask them, “Have you received a word from God?” What is God saying? It is difficult to stand in faith without a word from God. You might ask why is it so important to get a word? It is because it will help us in the fight of faith in the entire healing process where there will be conflicting reports, facts and figures. We are accustomed to believing the reports more than standing on the word received. It is especially true for the person who is in the healing process because he/she is fighting all kinds of symptoms in his/her body, other people’s experiences and what others are saying. Stand in faith on the word given by God to the person. We agree with their faith just like the four friends who agreed with the decision of the paralyzed man (refer to Luke 5:18-25).
Matthew 8:8 (NKJV) The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.
The Centurion was comparing his authority with Jesus’ authority being the Son of God. If there is vested authority as a centurion to command soldiers to carry out orders, then how much more authority does Jesus have! God spoke the entire creation into being and He upholds the entire universe with His word!
Just say the Word and my servant will be healed! Just say the word or speak to me and I believe that it is done! This is great faith! Great faith believes and obeys the moment when God has spoken. Abraham had great faith too. We can have great faith if we are to take God’s word seriously and believe in it.
Luke 5:24-25 (NKJV) But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I SAY to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.
Jesus said the word, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” There is, authority and creative power in Jesus’ word. The paralyzed man responded in faith, he arose, picked up his bed and went home glorifying God!!
Sermon Series: Friends to Look for in a Crisis
